5 Things to Look for When Hiring a Fence Company
Installing a fence is an investment in your privacy, safety, and property value. For it to pay off, it’s critical to hire the right installer for the job.
Like any industry, quality and expertise can vary significantly from one fence installer to the next. With so much information to sort through, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. While choosing the first fence installer that pops up can be the easy solution, when it’s your home or business, getting it right the first time is the top priority. This article walks you through what you should look for throughout your research process.
Experience and Reputation
Anyone who has ever tackled a complex project knows there’s no substitute for experience. That’s why the first thing you should consider when hiring a fence company is how long they’ve been in business.
Of course, it’s not just enough to settle on the company that has been around the longest – you need to look at its reputation over the years. Any reputable fence company will have hundreds of examples of past projects that you can review to assess the quality of their workmanship and capabilities. Additionally, reading online reviews and asking for references can help you gauge the company’s reputation and customer satisfaction levels.
Licensing, Insurance, and Warranties
Whenever you’re investing in your property, peace of mind is paramount. Before hiring a fence company (or any contractor, for that matter), ensure they’re properly licensed and insured. A licensed company has met the necessary requirements to operate in your area, providing some valuable upfront confidence on installation day. Insurance is also essential as it protects you from liability in case of accidents or damages that may occur during the installation process. Before you get too deep in the process with any company, do yourself a favor and ask for proof of licensing and insurance.
Next, ask about a company’s warranty policy. If a company doesn’t stand by their work after leaving the job site, why should you trust them? Mills Fence offers a one-year warranty on materials and labor for all services and installations. Our warranty is in addition to those some of our materials manufacturers offer.
Materials and Workmanship
A well-built fence can last up to 20 years (with proper maintenance) if the materials and workmanship are up to par. A reputable company uses only high-quality materials and building techniques that increase longevity. Be wary of companies that use substandard materials or do not offer a warranty.
It can be challenging for the average home or business owner to discern the quality of materials an installer will choose for a project. With that being said, you can ask a company which materials they plan to use and conduct your own high-level research. It might seem insignificant, but it can be the difference between choosing one fencing company over another!
Cost and Estimates
While cost is an important consideration when purchasing anything, it should not be the sole determining factor when hiring a fence company. Once you’re ready to move forward with an installation, get multiple quotes from different companies in your area and compare them based on the services, materials, and overall reputation.
Remember that the lowest bid is often not the best choice (you get what you pay for), as it could indicate a lack of experience or the use of cheap and inferior materials. You should aim to find a company that offers competitive pricing while maintaining high standards of quality and professionalism. Even if you pay more upfront, you’ll likely avoid having to pay for expensive repairs and maintenance in the near future.
Customer Service and Communication
It’s hard to overstate the importance of quality customer service. If you’re investing a significant amount of your hard-earned resources into a project, you want to feel like your voice is being heard.
A reputable installer will be responsive to your inquiries, provide clear and detailed estimates, and keep you informed through each step of the installation process. If you have concerns or questions, a representative should be there to give you the answers you need. While you may not be able to predict a company’s customer service, if you’ve been treated well during the initial estimate and planning stages, that’s a good indication of the service you’ll receive once the project is underway.
Mills Fence Is the Fence Installer You Can Trust
We’ve been in business for over five decades because we don’t compromise on quality. Our customers trust Mills Fence with their Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky fence projects because of our reputation for excellence and commitment to customer service.
Whether you’re looking to install a commercial or residential fence, purchase materials for a DIY project, or have questions regarding our services, we’re here to help. Contact us by calling 513-631-0333 in Cincinnati or 859-485-6655 in Northern Kentucky. We look forward to working with you!